Joshua Evans, an emerging artist based in Brooklyn, is redefining his practice by exploring themes of growth and spirituality. During a recent visit by Hypeart to his studio, the atmosphere reflected his deliberate approach to art. The space was filled with partially completed paintings, each bearing the marks of thoughtful revision. “This is the studio area. I have to keep it clean,” he stated. “I cannot work in a Francis Bacon-esque studio.”
Originally from Mobile, Alabama, Evans grew up surrounded by drawing, viewing it not as a career but as a natural part of life. As a reserved child, art became his means of introspection. This relationship evolved during his college years, particularly during a difficult period marked by depression. Creating art transformed from a mere interest into a critical necessity. “Feeling,” he emphasizes, “is nonnegotiable.”
Mentorship and Artistic Growth
While studying, Evans began to perceive art not solely as a form of expression but as a commitment to authenticity. Influences from established artists helped him envision a tangible path in the art world. He recalls a pivotal moment during his mentorship with acclaimed artist Marilyn Minter. “She brought up the fact that I was talking about a story that happened in my life yet I was not fully in the work,” he recalled. This critique prompted him to confront his hesitations about vulnerability in his art.
The breakthrough came with the painting titled ‘Fantasia’. “I was able to push myself to utilize the imageries and concepts that I held back for so long,” Evans explained. This evolution allowed his work to flourish both visually and emotionally.
Since 2018, Evans has consistently created pieces that he describes as “a non-linear story about my life and experiences.” Themes of grief, loss, transformation, and healing permeate his work, represented through overlapping states rather than linear narratives. He draws heavily from memories of his coastal hometown, noting, “Being by the water is something that’s second nature to me, so naturally a lot of the flora and wildlife that you’re seeing in my work comes from that region.”
Symbolism and Spirituality in Art
In his paintings, plants and animals serve as more than mere decoration; they symbolize power and the connection between the natural world and the human experience. “I’m utilizing these plants and animals to introduce the power that surrounds us and how we also embody that power within us,” he stated.
The subject matter often reflects intimate connections, with many pieces featuring self-portraits and images of family and friends. The body becomes a canvas for both physical and symbolic transformation. Surrealism plays a crucial role in his artistic language, inspired in part by his early love for anime. In one notable piece, wings extend from a figure’s back, a direct homage to a scene from Naruto that encapsulates personal growth and evolving power.
Evans’ exploration of place also informs his work. Following his time in Mobile, he spent time in Birmingham, Alabama, where new imagery began to enrich his visual vocabulary. He became captivated by cherry blossoms, which resonated with his sense of displacement while pursuing an unconventional career. “You’ll see a lot of cherry blossoms in my paintings,” he noted, reflecting their significance in his artistic journey.
Spirituality is a central theme in Evans’ work. Raised in a Baptist household, he began to question the beliefs instilled in him as he matured. “In that discovery of what higher power is for me, a lot of doors opened in my mind,” he explained. “My work for me is all spiritual.” He perceives a direct relationship between physical experiences and spiritual reflections, infusing his art with deep personal meaning.
Each painting holds its own gravity and narrative. “With my work, I reflect on one story at a time,” Evans stated. The interplay of body and supernatural elements in his pieces evokes a sense of tension and transformation. His figures shift, environments bend, and symbols emerge with fluidity.
In addition to his artistic practice, Evans founded Mijoshski, a platform named in honor of his late father. This initiative began with small-scale, hands-on production and has grown steadily, providing another avenue for his artistic expression.
Back in his Brooklyn studio, Evans maintains a steady pace, allowing his paintings to develop organically. He sees a profound connection between the physical and the supernatural, asserting that the power of his figures stems from their humanity.
Through his work, Joshua Evans continues to challenge himself and explore the depths of his experiences, inviting viewers to engage with the complexities of real life and the spiritual realm.
